Posted on: 4 February 2021
The Bar Council organised UK-China Arbitration Summit, sponsored by the London Maritime Arbitrator’s Association (LMAA), China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC), London and Chinese law firms, was held successfully over three days from 20 to 21 January.
UK Supreme Court Justice Lord Hodge and former Court and of Appeal Judge and Arbitrator Dame Elizabeth Gloster gave important keynote presentations emphasising the importance of English law in the context of international commercial arbitration, including maritime and commodities arbitration where London dispute resolution is the clear market leader.
In a number of panel sessions delegates emphasised the importance of LMAA style ad-hoc arbitration and English law in resolution of disputes under international maritime contracts, ranging from charterparties to shipbuilding contracts. Some 80 lawyers from London and China took part and were able to network remotely.
Many of the Chinese participants were alumni of the Bar Council Chinese Lawyers programme which has been run over 25 years and has proved an extremely good way to promote long term relations and understanding between English and Chinese lawyers.
Ian Gaunt, Director of Maritime London and former LMAA President said: “The LMAA is really pleased to have been able to sponsor and take part in the Arbitration Summit. Chinese businesses are important users of London maritime arbitration which continues to be the world’s leading forum for resolution of disputes in the maritime industries. We have worked with the Bar Council over a number of years to introduce London maritime arbitration to the young and more senior lawyers from China taking part in the Bar Council’s long standing training programme, through which many long term friendships and professional connections have been forged.”
